Telangana Government Announces Model Colony for Poor in Khammam District
In a significant move to uplift underprivileged communities, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka declared on Wednesday that a model colony for the poor will be established in Velugumatla, located within the Khammam district headquarters. This initiative is designed to serve as an inspirational blueprint for other states to replicate, showcasing Telangana's commitment to social welfare and urban development.
Distribution of House Site Pattas and Indiramma Houses
During a program held in Khammam town, Deputy CM Bhatti, alongside Housing and Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao—all hailing from Khammam district—oversaw the distribution of house site pattas and sanctioned Indiramma houses. These benefits were allocated to families affected by a demolition drive targeting encroachments on Bhoodan land in Velugumatla, part of Khammam urban mandal.
Eligibility and Allocation: Despite opposition claims that over 700 families were evicted, the government identified 412 eligible beneficiary families in Velugumatla. These families received house site pattas at the same location, with the Congress administration also sanctioning Indiramma houses and pledging to construct a model colony. Additionally, 101 poor beneficiaries from various districts were granted permission letters to build Indiramma houses on available land in their respective villages.
Comprehensive Development Plans for the Colony
Bhatti emphasized that the government's vision extends beyond mere housing. After distributing house sites, the remaining 16 acres of land in Velugumatla will be utilized for constructing a Telangana Public School and other government educational institutions. He assured that the model colony will include all essential amenities to ensure a dignified living environment for residents.
- Basic amenities such as electricity and drinking water
- Infrastructure including roads and a hospital
- Community facilities like a community hall and shopping complex
The Deputy CM instructed officials to commence construction of the Indiramma houses starting Thursday, March 12, with a deadline set for December 9 to complete the model colony. On this date, the three ministers plan to invite Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for house-warming ceremonies, marking a milestone in the project's implementation.
Political Critique and Government Commitment
Bhatti used the occasion to criticize the previous BRS government, accusing it of failing to deliver on promises made over a decade. He stated that while the BRS repeatedly vowed to provide 2-BHK houses to the poor, not a single such house was constructed in many districts, leaving countless families in prolonged disappointment. "Those who failed to deliver even a single house have no moral right to criticise the present government," he asserted.
Reflecting the state cabinet's resolution under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Bhatti highlighted that every poor person in Telangana should have access to an Indiramma house. To support this vision, the government has sanctioned ₹22,500 crore for constructing 4.5 lakh Indiramma houses statewide. He accused opposition parties of spreading misinformation to undermine these welfare efforts, alleging that a mafia network in Velugumatla had previously exploited the poor without providing basic facilities.
Government Pledge: The Congress government is committed to spending whatever necessary to ensure that the poor can live legally, securely, and with dignity. Bhatti directed officials to vigilantly monitor and curb any mafia forces that might take advantage of the vulnerable, reinforcing the administration's dedication to social justice and equitable development.
